[no. 12. see page 609.]
General Order No. 3. Arrangements having been made between the United States Government and the rebel authorities by which each is to supply its own prisoners of war with necessary supplies, and Brig.-Gen. H. E. Paine, on the part of the Federal Government, and Brig.-Gen. Win. W. R. Beale, on the part of the rebel authorities, having been appointed agents to carry out these arrangements, every necessary and proper facility for the purpose will be given by the commanding officers of the various military prisoners when request is made or properly authorized by Brigadier-General Paine. By Order,[no. 13. see page 611.]
Headquarters, etc., near Bottom's Bridge, June 12, 1864.
Adjutant-General, headquarters armies of the Confederate States:
Sir:--Will you please bring to the immediate attention of General Bragg a cause which is producing great discontent among the troops of my command.
It appears that to the troops of the Army of Northern Virginia, the ration issued is very much larger than the same given to my troops, although they are doing the same duty.
For instance, Kirkland's brigade, Army of Northern Virginia, is guarding the York River Railroad bridge over Chickahominy, and the local troops are performing the same service at Bottom's Bridge; the former receive a half pound of meat, flour bread (at least, in part), rice, pease, sugar, coffee, and vegetables; the local troops get but one-fifth pound of meat, and corn bread.
If they receive sugar and coffee (only six pounds of one and three of the other to 100 rations) the meat is stopped.
The same exists as to all my command.
It very naturally and justly produces discontent.
If the rations can be increased for the whole of the Army of Northern Virginia, it seems to me it ought to be done for the troops who are on exactly the same service in this department.
I wrote to Colonel Northrop, and he replied that all would be reduced to the same; but nearly a week has passed and the same distinction is made.
I trust the general commanding will have proper orders given in the matter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Adjutant-General, headquarters armies of the Confederate States:
R. Ransom, Jr., Major-General.
（First Indorsement.)
June 13, 1864.
Respectfully referred to the Honorable Secretary of War.
Such discrimination must produce discontent and should be corrected. Braxton Bragg, General.
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